Michael Hunt

Manchester City Council has granted planning for a new 325,000 sq ft headquarters to be built in Manchester for the Co-operative Group.

The building has been designed by 3D Reid and work is due to start at the beginning of 2010 with completion aimed for the middle of 2012.

Peter Marks, chief executive of Co-operative Group, said: "We intend the building to reflect the continuing success and ethical values of the organisation in its design, construction and its relationship both with employees and surrounding communities."

Yesterday Manchester City Council's head of planning, Peter Babb, urged the council to grant planning to the scheme which he hailed as being 'iconic'. He also said it would provide significant economic benefits for the area.

Sir Richard Leese, leader of Manchester City Council, added: "This major commitment that the Co-operative movement is making to Manchester is enormously welcome. The iconic headquarters building is the clearest demonstration possible of a strong approach to quality and the creation of a place where people will want to work and visit."

The new head office, which includes open plan office space on 15 storeys, will represent the first phase in the redevelopment and regeneration of the Co-operative Group's 20-acre site, located in the city's Northern Quarter area which is surrounded by Miller Street and Corporation Street.

A detailed planning application was submitted before the end of July this year.

The wider scheme encompasses office, residential and commercial development with the potential to accommodate up to 15,000 jobs, an integrated energy system aiming to provide 100% of development's heat and power needs from renewable sources, 4.5 acres of public open space, emphasis on green transport with the aim of making cycling, walking and public transport the preferred options, and a sustainable drainage system ensuring water is stored and recycled as needed.